Knicks Rumors: Interest in LaMelo Ball Could Result in Blockbuster Draft Trade

The New York Knicks could very well become big ballers in this year's NBA Draft.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks are interested in LaMelo Ball, the younger brother of Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball and projected top-three pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

LaMelo, a 6-foot-7 18-year-old point guard, could give the Knicks the scoring guard they seek in the backcourt alongside last year’s No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett.

LaMelo spent the last year playing for the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia. He averaged 17 points, seven assists, 7.5 rebounds and shot 37 percent from the field in 12 games for the Hawks before a foot injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Despite his injury and shaky shooting style, many believe LaMelo has the most upside among the 2020 draft class.

The Knicks held the sixth spot in the NBA lottery odds when the season was indefinitely suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. The NBA Draft Lottery has also been postponed, so it remains uncertain when the Knicks will draft.

The Knicks currently have a 37.2 percent chance of landing a top-four pick, per tankathon, but even if they do not land a high pick, they could still position themselves to make a move for LaMelo.

According to NBA Draft analyst Chad Ford, the Knicks have the assets to move up in the draft to make a big splash for someone such as LaMelo Ball.

The Knicks have a second first-round pick this year from the Clippers, and two first rounders in 2021.

The Golden State Warriors, who have the worst record and a 52.1 percent chance of drafting in the top-four, are believed to be a team most likely to trade down in the NBA Draft and could be a potential partner for the Knicks to move up and snag LaMelo.

LaMelo’s father, the always outspoken LaVar Ball, has repeatedly advocated that his youngest son would fit best with the Knicks.

“Melo is a big city guy. He like lights. He likes that. He’d love it,” LaVar said on The Undisputed back in March. “Everybody talking about the city type of thing. Cleveland, he already lived in Cleveland. He don’t like that cold weather like that, especially if you aren’t going to be inside with a lot of bright lights. I think it’s about time for New York. I kind of feel they’re going to be the first pick on the fact that they missed it so many times and it’s time for something good to happen to them. New York would be great for him.”

LaVar has previously expressed his desire to have all three of his sons play for the Knicks and coached by Mark Jackson.